PhD Imagination Infrastructuring: Creativity tools, climate futures, transitions

PhD Imagination Infrastructuring: Creativity tools, climate futures,

transitions

Are you interested in design's potential to help us imagine better futures, in an age of climate crisis? And how the explosion in AI creativity support tools could offer new ways to open up and pluralise visions of transition?

Position

PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Industrial Design

Institutes and others

EAISI - Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute

FTE

1,0

Date off

26/11/2023

Reference number

V51.7010

Job description

This PhD position at TU Eindhoven focuses on exploring how the kinds of AI- based generative creativity tools which have emerged in recent years—and are rapidly developing—could contribute to ‘from the ground-up' participatory futuring for communities, in an age of climate crisis. It is about investigating, via a designerly approach, the possibilities and potential of these technologies in use, as part of creative societal applications, rather than necessarily design or development of the technologies themselves, but depending on the PhD researcher's interests, could combine these approaches.

The urgent need for just societal transitions towards more sustainable ways of living, both environmentally and socially, is inspiring increasing interest from both academic researchers and social design practitioners in developing the idea of ‘imagination infrastructures'. Informed by considerations of adaptation to climate change, alternative economic models, social justice and societal change, these are initiatives and schemes to enable and support members of the public, including marginalised communities and neighbourhoods, to create and share actionable (or more broadly inspirational) visions and prototypes of alternative futures for everyday living.

The explosion in AI generative creativity support tools (e.g. at present, Midjourney, ChatGPT, etc—but with many more on the horizon) has, amidst all the hype, a potential to contribute here by enabling much greater democratisation and pluralisation of ‘professional' image-making and presentation of ideas. On a practical level, for example, a community could produce its own highly plausible visualisations of alternative futures for its neighbourhood, perhaps to counter proposals from developers, or to offer visions of how a neighbourhood could adapt to climate change. Or, on a more broadly inspirational level, alternative imaginaries of future living, with new or culturally distinct aesthetics—including by community-trained or fine- tuned models—could be more easily brought into public discourse. Nevertheless, the ethical issues surrounding AI, from the biases and assumptions encoded in models and reproduced in their outputs, the potential effects on skilled jobs, entrenching further dominance of large tech companies, and intellectual property issues around creative work cannot be ignored.

Within this space, the PhD researcher, in agreement with their supervisors, will have the opportunity to choose which directions to explore and address with their research. The topic draws from work on imaginaries, futuring (including experiential futuring), transformative practices, transition design, pluriversal design, participatory design and co-creation processes (including neighbourhood planning), design justice, research through design, speculative and critical design (and design fiction), and a growing literature in design and human-computer interaction (HCI) on (participatory) creativity methods and the use of AI-based generative creativity tools in practice. Depending on the focus of the project, domain knowledge on specific areas of sustainability will also be relevant, from climate adaptation to energy and mobility transitions (and the political and societal dimensions of these) to alternative economic models. Other creative practices, from illustration to storytelling, theatre, music, and facilitation, are also welcomed as relevant elements.

Research questions and methods :

The main initial research question to be explored by the PhD researcher is: - What could be the roles for AI generative creativity tools in participatory futuring, climate crisis, and/or societal transitions?

The question will lead to further sub-questions depending on how the focus of the project develops, for example around how these roles can be materialised in particular contexts or with particular groups or communities, or with identified outcomes in mind.

Over the course of the 4-year PhD programme, the researcher will engage in theory and practice, including writing up and disseminating insights in academic publication venues. The final year is expected to include the compilation of a thesis. It is assumed that a research-through-design methodology is most appropriate, including prototyping, iteration, and largely qualitative insights, but different approaches are welcome, as appropriate to the project. As initially framed, the project is not linked to specific societal partners or geographical contexts, but these may be involved as the project progresses, including linking to the emerging ‘imagination infrastructuring' practitioner community internationally. The PhD may be structured as a series of smaller projects. Societal impact and knowledge exchange, for example through the development of a method or format for communities' use of the tools, and/or public engagement through events, exhibitions, workshops, or short courses, could be a relevant element of the overall methodology.

The PhD will be linked to the new ‘Making With…' research cluster at TU/e Industrial Design, is funded by EAISI, the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute, which brings together AI activities from across TU/e.

Job requirements

A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in a design- related field (e.g., Interaction Design, Architecture, Industrial Design, Product Design, Service Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, Fashion Design) or another creative discipline.

Previous experience with participatory methods, and community engagement will be an advantage, as will domain knowledge of social science and sustainability or transition concepts. Experience using creative AI tools, and an understanding of (or willingness to learn about) how they work, and an interest in the ethical and social justice issues associated with contemporary debates on the topic, will also be important.

Experience in project work (to be demonstrated through a portfolio).

Proficiency in qualitative data-collection and analysis methods.

Excellent communication skills in English, including writing. The ability to conduct fieldwork in other languages would be a plus, but there is no Dutch language requirement.

A research-oriented attitude, openness, interest, and good soft skills to work closely with people from other disciplines and across organisations, and to learn from theory in the social sciences, humanities, environmental sciences, AI, or other fields.

Willingness to engage in working practically with communities and members of the public.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.

Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).

A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.

High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self- aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.

An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.

An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.

A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands- on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Industrial Design

Industrial Design is a new, innovative department, part of the Eindhoven University of Technology, in the heart of Netherlands' high tech hotspot, Brainport. Its education is based on competency development, and its mission is aimed at the creation of intelligent systems, products and related services.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dan Lockton, email d.j.g.locktonattue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email HRServices.IDattue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.

Curriculum vitae, including a list of any publications you have, and the contact information of three references.

A project portfolio demonstrating skills and knowledge in creative methods, research through design, and/or engagement with stakeholders or members of the public

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.